The only thing that is constant is change. Perhaps you’ve discovered this in your own life. Regardless, this week, perhaps we can allow ourselves to be reminded about that truth. More on that in a moment. But first ... let’s being with the most significant change of all—the one that leads us deeper into the fall season. Last week officially marked the beginning of fall, which gives GT another opportunity to present our annual Fall Home & Garden issue.

You can dive into our offerings here, but take note of one of the more interesting discoveries I came across. It’s the use of the word “brown.” As in ... “brown” is the new “green.” And here I thought “blue” was the new green. In any case, it’s a fascinating thing to contemplate, considering how one local individual we spotlight in this week’s issue feels that by being “brown”—that is, more Earth friendly—you actually morph into a modern-day eco patriot. (Let’s face it: we could all benefit from having more around.) So, this week’s question: How “brown” is your life?

Changing catch phrases may not be all that challenging, but there are some changes that do force you to stop, pause, and reflect on the past, the present and the future—sometimes all at once. This week, GT faces one of those kinds of “changes.” You can discover more about all that in greater detail in Publisher Ron Slack’s column. In it, our longtime publisher reveals that he is moving on from GT in his current role. The good news is that Ron will serve GT in other ways, some of which will foster new possibilities for the paper and the community.

It’s challenging to sum up the impact one individual has had on your life—and, on the life of an entire community for that matter—in just several hundred words. Doing so here would not give proper credit to the remarkable, adventurous and community-oriented soul that is Ron Slack; a man who has diligently ventured forth with a passion to unite like-minded individuals in a number of mediums—all to better the community. Working alongside Ron for more than 11 years has been downright rewarding. I am not alone in saying that his presence will be missed in the office. Nor am I alone in noting how his time at GT has helped steer it in fascinating new directions. Here’s to your legacy, Ron. Thank you ...

Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief

Letters to the EditorUprooting Some of the Root Causes of GangsRegarding the local groups that are [making] thwarting youth gang enlistment a top priority, I believe in an evermore aggressive form of educational support (i.e. schools/families) to take out [the] glamour [of] joining gangs and prove how truly stupid it really is. I applaud these organizations for taking up this effort, but wish the local schools/families would join in, with discussion with an effective education/support system. Speakers of former gang members perhaps, part of it to show how dumb it is to believe what they see in movies is reality. Show it is noble to "rat out" gang members because this is a serious community/civil issue which often leads to senseless tragedy.Bill SmallmanSanta Cruz

On ‘Desalination and You’Thank you for Mikaela Todd's article, "Desalination and You." There is one clarification that I would like to make. Measure P simply requires that the city council seek the consent of the voters before approving desalination. Measure P is a charter amendment that cannot be revoked except by another vote of the people. In contrast, the city council's commitment to a vote of the people on desalination could be revoked at any time by a future city council. I want to invite Good Times readers to a City Council Candidate Forum on Water Issues, Thursday, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m. at Louden Nelson Center. Rick LonginottiSpokesman, Yes on Measure P

Online CommentsOn ‘Getting to the Root of Gangs’ ... I am a mom of a 14-year-old boy. When I hear about gangs and kids getting shot I get angry, then I cry. I think that someone should force young potential gang members to be with the mother of the deceased the first 72 hours, to see firsthand what violence causes and be with her to hear her cries in the middle of the day or night. Force them to go to the funeral.—No Name

On ‘Desalination and You’I am neither pro nor con for desal. I am, however, frustrated by this process. So let me get this straight. We vote people into office to lead and make decisions for us. When the leaders make a decision, the opposing side collects random signatures to have the people vote on the actual item. By that process, the people who were not smart enough to vote people into office to lead us are now smart enough to make a decision on desalination and our future water supply? I just hate how we do not let our leaders lead and fringe groups can throw monkey wrenches into the process. —Just Wondering

On Town Hall with Supervisor Greg CaputThanks to Greg for his support of the local veterans issues. With the growing numbers of service men and women returning to their homes and families in our community, it is ever so important to have a place that they can gather for services to help them re-enter civilian life in as seamless and productive [of a] manner as possable. The Veterans Building at Emeline [Avenue], Building E, is focused on that. Each Wednesday, walk-in services include VA doctors, housing, job placement, training, peer mentoring, and free lunch. Other days self improvement classes like art, writing, and exercise are conducted. —Bob Patton

Correction: The Business Profile on page 13 of the Sept. 13 issue incorrectly stated that the owners of Homespace Furniture are Kevin and Brian Dueck. The current owner and manager of Homespace Furniture is Michael Baetge. We regret the error.

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Health Screening

Leo Sun; Full Moon, Venus Retro in Leo; Saturn Direct

It’s a complex week of planetary movements, challenges, demands and callings. We’re in the time of the Leo Sun. Leo—fixed fire, gold, the heart, generous, strong, noble, the king/queen—needs appreciation and praise from everyone in order to move forward. During Leo we gain a greater sense of self-identification by recognizing our creativity. It’s therefore a perfect time for Venus retrograding in Leo. In Venus retrograde we review and re-assess values. Venus retro in Leo concerns our self as valuable, acknowledging talents, gifts, abilities and offerings. Friday, Venus re-enters Leo (29 degrees, a critical degree) continuing the retrograde to 14 degrees Leo on Sept. 6.
Friday (Full Moon) is also the (8 degrees) Leo solar festival, Festival of the Future. Leo is the heart of the sun, the heart of all that matters. When attuned to this heart, we have understanding and inclusivity. The heart of the Lion is Mitra (think “Maitreya,” the coming World Teacher). Leo prepares humanity to receive divine love from subtle sources and later to radiate that love to the kingdoms. Sirius, Ray 2, where love originates, streams through Regulus (heart of Leo), into the heart of the sun (Ray 2) and into all hearts. The heart of Leo is Regulus. Joining Venus, the love underlying all of creation appears.
Saturday is Sun/Neptune (confusion or devotion) with late night Saturn turning stationary direct. Ideas, plans and structures held long in abeyance (since March 14) slowly move forward. (Read more on Leo and the week at nightlightnews.org and Risa D’Angeles’ Facebook page, accessed through my website.)

The New Tech Nexus

Community leaders in science and technology unite to form web-based networking program

Holy Cannoli

Is Santa Cruz turning into Malibu North?

It's got a ways to go before it gets wrecked like Malibu, but I think we need to be very careful about growth.
Maria Mattioli, Santa Cruz, Psychotherapist

Bargetto Winery

A much-anticipated annual event at Bargetto Winery is the release of their very special La Vita red wine. June 7 was the day to be heralded this year, and I happily squeezed my car into their overloaded car park in eager anticipation of tasting the new La Vita nectar.